Tilapia

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is a member of the family Cichlidae, which includes many species kept as pets in aquariums. Tilapia is a native of Africa but has become an important farm-raised, freshwater food fish in America. A large portion of tilapia consumed in the United States is imported, and it ranks usually in the middle of the top ten favored fish in American diet. Like perch, tilapia grows rapidly, requiring less feed than many other fish; spawns frequently; and tolerates high population density. Most tilapia farms, many of which are in the southwestern United States, use enclosed systems and so have less environmental impact than other forms of fish farming, because there is almost no water pollution or fish escape. Tilapia has firm, white, and relatively bland flesh, which can be broiled, fried, or baked and then sauced for flavor. Tilapia is a key fish for prepared battered fish products, such as fillets, fingers, and nuggets.